Former Indonesian dictator unfit to stand trial - doctor

Indonesia's former strongman Soeharto is suffering from
permanent brain damage and cannot have a logical conversation, a
presidential doctor said yesterday, amid renewed efforts to have
him stand trial on corruption charges.

"We are ready to re-examine him, but nothing can be done," said
the physician, Brigadier General Dr Marjo Subiandono. "He has two
permanent cerebral defects."

Soeharto, who turns 85 in June, has suffered a number of health
problems including two strokes since he was forced to resign in
1998 amid violent protests against his 32-year rule.

After his downfall, he was indicted for allegedly embezzling
$US600 million ($A815 million) of state funds, but the charges were
thrown out in 2000 after doctors deemed him unfit to stand
trial.

Attorney-General Abdul Rachman Saleh said this week a team of 20
doctors would be asked to re-examine Soeharto to see if his health
has improved - a move that could pave the way for him to face a
court.

Though he has kept a low profile since his ouster, he is
occasionally seen chatting quietly with family members or visiting
officials in his compound in the capital's upscale Menteng
district.

Subiandono said Soeharto's physical condition may be good, but
he is still unable to have a "straight logical conversation".